The Tale of the Traveling Teal Maternity Top

Once upon a time there was the perfectly teal maternity top. This wasn't just any top, let me tell you. She {yes, she} was fairy-tale ideal in texture, length, color and especially fit. She covered the bulging belly modestly when none other could. She seemed to be the top that went the distance. In Jesus speak, this top went the second mile - you know, the ninth 'inning' stretch, through the end times of pregnancy when all the bowls (take your pick: ice cream, salad, noodle...) are being poured out. Yet, this maternity shirt was clearly sealed by God himself, having no stain or residue to speak of. {A moment of silence for all the maternity tops lost to oil and vinegar salad dressing. *pause*...and a Shout stain remover 'Spray Salute' in remembrance.}

If memory serves me right, (it most often forgets to serve me at all) this bargain beauty has humble roots, being a yard sale find, rescued by Mom Karum - or something of that nature. Despite this rocky start and clearly being underestimated by the yard sale SELLER, this shirt has held her weight (and ours, too!) with the perfect blend of polyester and cotton, having both give and comfort. It's kind of like heaven and earth kissing but minus the sloppy wet kiss part. (or unforeseen kiss, per the radio version) Now, there was a somewhat outdated crocheted, scalloped collar, {don't we all have a little something we'd like to change about ourselves?} but given all of her pros, it didn't deter us from proudly sporting her at our longest hour. Oh, no. This girl has got some miles on her! She has journeyed through nearly every child (roughly 11), has been to Thailand and back, has endured leaks and snot and tugs and crushing weight, without even so much as a whimper. She's been an old, faithful friend that has grown right along with us, through thick and thin. {but mostly thick}

And so, this old gal has done a tremendous job of covering our backs (pun intended) and surely deserves some sort of glorified preservation ceremony in not only our hearts but also our childbearing stories. She has been a part of every season of the pregnant (and nursing) soul. Been vollied back and forth and shall finally be laid to rest with the best of 'em. {In good fashion, I might add, which is fitting. Oh, another clever pun!}

And so we pay tribute to the Traveling Teal Maternity Top that has loved us so well, held onto us as we held out for nine months. We honor the Honors brand and say, THANK YOU, from the bottom of our bellies, for always covering ours, no matter the season or fit! Rest in peace, treasured pal and tale.

With mucho respeto,

Tab and Amy